Impressed Michael Carrick has "loved" what he's seen from Hayden Hackney, hailing the young midfielder for his "no fuss" approach and immediately making himself at home in the Middlesbrough first team.
The 20-year-old midfielder didn't play a minute for Boro under Chris Wilder this season but has featured in every game since the former manager's exit and has played the entirety of Carrick's first two games in the dugout, instantly impressing the new head coach.
Indeed, such has been the maturity and quality Hackney has demonstrated in the Boro midfield since he was thrust into the first team fold, amazed Carrick says it's hard to believe the Teessider had played just a single minute of Championship football before this season.
Fearless Hackney has added some much-needed energy and spark into a midfield that has struggled at times this season, impressing Carrick with his positivity with the ball as well as his discipline without it.
"I’ve loved seeing him play, it's been really refreshing to see him step in and play with no fuss," said Carrick.
"When I say that I don’t mean that he hasn’t played well, I just mean he’s stepped in as though he’s played there for a long time. He’s really composed on the ball, always there and always offering for the ball, always wants the ball. When he does get it he’s positive.
"The other side that we’ve asked of him with Jonny (Howson) in the last two games is to be responsible and disciplined and play a certain role, and he’s done that no problem. For a young player who’s not played an awful lot of games, I think that speaks volumes and shows us there’s much more to come. I’ve been absolutely delighted with him."
For all Hackney has impressed Carrick on the pitch, his attitude off it and desire to learn has also gone down well with the head coach and his staff.
Carrick said: "He just goes about his business, trains well, obviously has played well. Whatever we ask him he tries to do and tries to do with everything he’s got. As coaching staff, that’s all you can ask for. They’re the ones you want to work with and look to bring on and improve. It’s such early days in Hayden’s career. There are moments when you need to look after them, moments when you need to push them, that’s for us to get them decisions right.
"There’s loads of time to work with him and improve him, just like every other player. We’re really keen and passionate about the development of individuals as well as the team, so looking forward to what’s to come."
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